GOVERNOR, 1906
presidential candidate in any state in America was given in Pennsylvania to a Republican. No other political organization in the history of the world achieved such important and varied results as has the Republican party in the last half century. Neither Guelph nor Ghibelline, Girondist nor Sans Culotte, Royalist nor Roundhead, Whig nor Tory exerted so powerful an influence upon human affairs. It has broken the yokes from the necks of three millions of slaves. It has fought with equal success domestic insurrection and foreign aggression. It has so extended our possessions that the sun rises over the Philippines and sets beyond the Mississippi, still shining upon American soil. It has gathered into our embrace the fairest islands of the South Sea. But, more than all, it has brought forth men. Its first President ranks in diction with Jeremiah and Shakespeare, and in statecraft stands beside Alfred the Great and William of Orange, on a plane with the most exalted characters of all time. Its last President,though it be too soon to form an adequate estimate of his acccomplishment, has made an impression beyond that of any other living statesman. Compare the presidents of the United States during the last fifty years with the emperors of Rome, or the kings of England or France throughout a like period of time, or if it be not ungracious, compare them with the presidents elected between 1800 and 1860, and see what a tale of excellence is unfolded.
The past is secure, the present follows rapidly in its pathway, but what of the future? Every age has its own problems and upon their successful solution depends the fate of nations. To be swept away by the fitful currents of life which trouble every sea and cast up “mire and dirt” is for the nation, as for the individual, to perish. Go forward like Christian in the Pilgrim's Progress and the burdens of sin fall into the sloughs. Have faith and be of good cheer. Let us not forget that the province of the Republican party, the outcome of the highest wisdom has been to construct and to upbuild. Cleanliness and decency are among the latest of human acquisitions and American life has not yet reached its farthest stage of development. Many a gallant knight has fought behind a rusty shield and still has overcome his foe. If the Normans had been destroyed as marauders, what would have been the effect upon English civilization?
Correct the evils which may have arisen in transportation, but do not forget that the system, as established, has created Chicago and St. Louis and has peopled the West. Cleanse wherever necessary, but preserve. Improve our products, but
